The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ensure that a recently forfeited 753-unit housing estate in Abuja is allocated to low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable Nigerians.
This call followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Jafaru Leko, who stressed the need for a transparent and equitable allocation process for the estate, which was seized from former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development earlier this year.
Located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, the estate spans more than 150,000 square metres and was reportedly acquired with proceeds of corruption.
Leko described the recovered property as a significant asset that, if properly managed, could help address Nigeria’s worsening housing deficit, especially in urban centres like Abuja.
“Without transparency, these houses may end up in the hands of elites, defeating the purpose of recovery and denying ordinary citizens access to decent housing,” Leko warned.
He emphasized that the estate should not become a reward for the politically connected, but a tool for social justice, aligned with the constitutional duty of the government to provide shelter for its citizens.
In response, the House passed the following resolutions:
– The Ministry of Housing must develop and publish a clear, inclusive framework for allocating the estate.
– Priority should be given to low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable citizens.
– The ministry must submit a detailed report within 60 days outlining allocation plans, criteria, and the selection process.
– The House Committee on Housing and Habitat will monitor the process and report back within four weeks to ensure transparency and equity.
Leko concluded by stating that visible, fair use of recovered assets is crucial to restoring public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
“Nigerians must see that asset recovery leads to real benefits, not just headlines,” he said.
